Cradle holder and lanyard apparatus to secure electronic cigarette or personal vaporizer

ABSTRACT

A lanyard style holder designed to secure a smokeless cigarette or personal vaporizer device around the neck, shoulder or waist of a user. A lanyard includes a holder cradle with multiple apertures configured to hold a smokeless cigarette device in the central aperture and corner apertures designed to couple a plurality of cords, thereby creating a loop. The loop is then placed around the neck or across the chest of a user wherein a smokeless cigarette device oriented upright is inserted into the central aperture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Ser. No. 14/62067343

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None

SEQUENCE LISTING

None

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to neck secured lanyards for personal property, but more particularly to a lanyard used to secure electronic cigarettes around a neck or shoulder or waist of a user.

BACKGROUND

General applications of lanyards to secure various objects are commonly known. These lanyards are classified into two general categories, industrial strength devices used to secure large objects to a stationary point and personal use lanyards to secure personal property to a user. The present invention falls into the category of lanyards for personal use.

A smokeless or electronic cigarette or personal vaporizer (“e-cigarette” or “vaporizer”), is an electrical device that simulates the act of tobacco smoking by producing a vapor to be inhaled that simulates the sensation, appearance, flavor, and nicotine content of traditional cigarette smoke. E-cigarettes are primarily used as a smokeless alternative to tobacco smoking, or as an aid for smoking cessation. These devices are typically portable, self-contained cylindrical devices varying in size. Most of these devices are designed to be reusable. Some devices include a cartridge serving as a mouthpiece and simultaneously a repository for the liquid to be vaporized, an atomizer or heating element, and a power source such as a lithium-ion battery. The power source can be housed in a larger device configured to regulate the transfer of ohms, volts, amperes, or other methods of power. Other power sources require manual control of the power source to regulate the power transfer but offer smaller options. When activated, the heating element rapidly vaporizes the liquid for inhalation. A user will then inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece. Once the liquid within the cartridge of the e-cigarette has been depleted, a user may refill the liquid or replace the empty cartridge with a pre-filled cartridge.

The construction of these e-cigarette devices prevents storage of the device in the same manner as traditional cigarettes. For example, placing an unprotected e-cigarette into a shirt or pants pocket frequently results in spillage, inadvertent activation, or damage of the working parts of the device. E-cigarettes often contain portions of glass or clear polycarbonate monitoring ports to assess the level of the liquid. These materials are particularly fragile and can easily break under pressure applied to these materials while sitting or moving while contained in a restrictive pocket, resulting in spillage of the liquid. E-cigarettes are prone to spilling or leaking fluid when stored at an improper angle. Contents of pockets, purses, and other common containers permit the content to rotate during storage. This may result in the liquid spilling into the user's pocket. Further, inadvertent activation of the e-cigarette battery while in a pocket may drain the internal battery and/or damage the atomizer. Additionally, because e-cigarettes are smokeless and can be used in more places than a traditional cigarette, users prefer to have the device readily accessible.

Because of this demand, various types of e-cigarette holders are available on the market today. Some of these holders are limited in design to hold only a certain brand of e-cigarettes. Some of these holders are large and bulky, contributing to difficulty in carry the device and being cumbersome to access. Other holders use a keychain-type holder; however, this design still requires the e-cigarette to be returned to its storage location, such as a pocket, after use. Still others are pouches designed to attach to a belt, which have the same shortcomings as storage in a pocket.

Lanyard type holders solve some of these problems. An e-cigarette can be conveniently hung around the user's neck, enabling a user to activate the device without removing it from a lanyard. A user may simply raise the e-cigarette to the user's mouth. This advantage is particularly pronounced when a user is engaged in other activities, such as driving, when accessing a compartment or pocket can be annoying and dangerous.

Several commercially available lanyard type holders are readily available; however, the problems these lanyards fail to address will become evident. One type of lanyard uses a pouch draped around a user's neck. A user deposits an e-cigarette into the pouch when not in use. This pouch has similar problems to pocket storage. The pouch on a lanyard may tilt resulting in spillage as described above. This can result in the e-cigarette or personal vaporizer slipping out of a lanyard pouch open end and damaging the e-cigarette. For example, if a user bends and reaches for something on the floor, the pouch may lay on the inside of the shirt, letting the e-cigarette or personal vaporizer slip out of the pouch, slide forward on the shirt through the collar, and fall to the ground. Further, a user cannot activate the e-cigarette until removed from a lanyard. Lithium ion Battery safety requires proper battery ventilation which cannot be achieved with pouch lanyards. The present invention securely attaches to an e-cigarette by aligning the battery and/or modification connector and the atomizer connector with the central aperture of the sling. Both sections are fastened together through a thread connector common in the art with the cradle sling in-between the two sections of the e-cigarette.

Commonly, users of e-cigarettes modify standard models of e-cigarettes for aesthetic and functional reasons. These various modifications can add weight and length to the standard e-cigarette models. Lanyard style pouches have a limited length they can contain while the present invention permits a significantly expanded length to be stored around a user's neck. Additionally, many modifications display ornamental features completely lost when concealed in a pouch. The present invention limits visibility of an e-cigarette only at the connection point between the atomizer and the battery, permitting full display of any ornamental design.

Existing ring type lanyard holders have additional shortcomings. For example, a lanyard type holder produced by EverSmoke consists of a loop of string or cord detachably attached to one end of a lanyard. The loop is slipped onto the e-cigarette and slid towards the center of the e-cigarette until taunt. As another example, White Cloud produces a lanyard type holder consisting of a silicon ring with a small slit on one side permitting a thin cord to enter and exit the ring thereby creating a loop that lines the inner surface of the ring. The loop of cord and silicon ring are concentrically slipped over the battery portion of the e-cigarette until the ring fits the diameter of the e-cigarette. However, both devices are prone to becoming loose after a period of time due to multiple tugs or bumps that loosen the hold on the e-cigarette. Consequently, e-cigarette owners risk losing their e-cigarettes in daily use.

Consequently, a need exists in the art for an e-cigarette holder enabling a user to safely and securely carry an e-cigarette of varying lengths upright with the added functionality of permitting use of the e-cigarette while still secured by the holding device and protecting a user from spillage.

SUMMARY

An embodiment includes a holder for securing an e-cigarette or personal vaporizer device around a neck or across a chest, off a shoulder, or around a waist or belt loop of a user as a sling. A holder cradle of a holder comprises a piece of thin, strong, nonconductive, flexible material. In the center of a holder cradle is a rounded aperture configured to receive an e-cigarette or personal vaporizer device by inserting the device longitudinally with the mouthpiece facing upward. A holder cradle has four additional apertures in each corner of a holder cradle which used to secure a holder cradle to the neck of a user via two cords secured on via knots on the opposing side, thereby creating a loop.

In another embodiment, a holder is secured around belt loops with the same qualifications as stated in the preceding paragraphs. In yet another embodiment, a holder is secured around a wrist of a user with the same qualifications as stated in the preceding paragraphs

A utility for the present device is the ease of dripping for some forms of an e-cigarette or personal vaporizer. For e-cigarettes using a dripping atomizer, a user must reapply the liquid to be vaporized after several uses. Normally, a user must set an e-cigarette or personal vaporizer down to refill the liquid. The liquid bottle must be shaken and then uncapped for dripping. Some bottles have an eyedropper, requiring a user to hold the bottle with one hand and the dropper with the other. The present disclosure enables a user to use both hands. A user can grab a bottle of liquid, and refill the e-cigarette, while the device holds the e-cigarette or personal vaporizer device at the ready, in front of the user.

Many additional activities can be made easier with the e-cigarette securely suspended by the present device. Many users replace parts of their e-cigarette or personal vaporizer to create custom modifications. The battery portion of the e-cigarette consists of a power source surrounded by a casing. When the power source uses all of its charge, a user must replace it. By suspending the e-cigarette or personal vaporizer without requiring to be held by the user's hands, a user can replace the power source with both hands without being required to set the e-cigarette down.

Another utility enjoyed by the device user is coil chamber flood assistance. Coil chamber flooding will ruin a user's vapor production. Coil chamber flooding occurs to e-cigarette users for several reasons, mainly involving air pressure changes, user error, and/or poor coil wicking. Excessive liquid drowns the heating coil resulting in reduction and loss of vapor production. Turning the e-cigarette device upside down can clear this flood. The present disclosure enables a user to temporarily turn the e-cigarette device upside down, holding this position hands free. Because the underside of an e-cigarette is typically heavier than the upper portion, the device may apply pressure to turn the e-cigarette back to the upright position. To assist, a user can position the battery between a holder cradle knots to prevent the battery from leaning and correcting to an upright position. A user can further assist by leaning the device against his/her body. In this position excess e-liquid to evacuate the chamber. A user can then dry up the excess liquid slowly dripping out of the atomizer mouthpiece, thus, clearing the flooded coil chamber. This position is also useful to avoid flooding when a user is on a flight or experiencing quick elevation changes.

In the event of a flood, a holder cradle portion of the sling will prevent spillage of excess fluid. Further, this spillage would be slowed to prevent contact with sensitive parts of an e-cigarette or personal vaporizer. Fluid achieving contact with the battery can significantly damage the e-cigarette.

DESCRIPTION AND FIGURES SUMMARY

Other features, functionality, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of an instant lanyard and its derivatives and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an instant lanyard with sling depicting the layout and placement of a cord s, a holder cradle, and its apertures.

FIG. 2 is a top-down view of a holder cradle of a sling depicting the layout and placement of the apertures of a holder cradle.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view depicting a sling draped across the shoulder of a user.

FIG. 4 is a view of one embodiment where a cord attaches to a keychain, attached to a belt loop.

Although the above-described certain embodiments of a lanyard style e-cigarette or personal vaporizer cradle holder, to make a detailed description, but is not limited to the above embodiments of a lanyard style e-cigarette or personal vaporizer cradle holder. Those skilled in the art will appreciate without departing from the technical scope of the present utility model the features and technical solution of the given case, an increase in the technical characteristics made to replace some of the same content in the art, and should belong to the present lanyard style e-cigarette holder and utility model within the scope of protection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a lanyard with a sling that can hold an e-cigarette placed into a central aperture 2 while being worn around, e.g., hanging from, a neck of a user or otherwise hanging from a holder. A holder cradle includes a plurality of apertures configured to hold cords 1 via a securement mechanism 3 and 4. A holder cradle may include a plurality of apertures configured to hold one cord 1 via a securement mechanism 3 and 4 but limited to a single aperture on each side of the respective a holder cradle. A holder cradle supports the e-cigarette while permitting the battery powered portion requiring ventilation to freely access air. The sling securely attaches to the e-cigarette at a threaded connection point between a battery portion of an e-cigarette and the upper portion of the e-cigarette. A threaded connector fits through the central aperture of the sling. As a threaded connector screws into the lower half of the e-cigarette, a portion of the sling is compressed between the upper and lower halves of the vaporizer. The battery portion of the e-cigarette pulls downward on a holder cradle tightening the grip of a holder cradle as applied to the threads or connectors on the e-cigarette preventing section rotation. The sides of a holder cradle wrap around the atomizer to protect the delicate portions of the e-cigarette commonly made of glass or polycarbonate viewing port as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.

A holder cradle can be comprised of any strong, thin, and flexible material, such as canvas, leather, plastic, or other material commonly used in the art. The material used should not exceed 1 mm in thickness. Because a holder cradle center hole is in contact with the electrical connectors for the atomizer and battery, the material should also be nonconductive. A holder cradle provides additional protection from spills and leaks common to e-cigarettes. If internal liquids from the e-cigarette were to flood, the excess liquid would be expelled onto a holder cradle, preventing unsightly stains and costly needs to wash the excess liquid from a user's clothes.

A securement mechanism 3 and 4 couples with a holder cradle via square knots at the end of each cord. The square knots may be secured from slippage via fabric glue or other materials known in the art. These diameter of these knots 3 and 4 may be large enough to ensure the ends of a cord do not slip through their respective apertures. Each end of a cord is fed through a diagonally opposite aperture to increase stability. A cord ends 3 and 4 are attached to the 2 a holder cradle in this manner as to create four point failsafe. This eliminates the chance of a catastrophic failure. If one cord were to fail, the remaining points of contact would secure the e-cigarette.

In some embodiments, a cord may be made of suede, faux suede, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, cotton, satin, silk, rayon, or any combination thereof or commonly used in the art. The preceding list is illustrative and not intended as an exhaustive list of the all embodiments or options for the cord.

A lanyard may be configured to enable a user to use, e.g., inhale vapors from, an e-cigarette without removing a holder from its position around the user's neck. This stationary position can be used to aid in the cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of e-cigarettes.

In other embodiments, instead of knots 3 and 4, other techniques may be used to enlarge the ends of a cord to prevent the ends from slipping out of the apertures. For example, adjustable end caps or small barrel-like enclosures used in jewelry making large enough to pass through the side apertures, may be attached to a cord while additionally permitting an adjustable cord length.

In other embodiments, the cords may be produced with a greater length enabling the sling to fit over a user's body such as being draped from a shoulder as seen in FIG. 3. The cord drapes over the shoulder of a user 10 applying the downward pressure created by the weight of the e-cigarette 11. This apparatus is particularly effective when the battery portion of the e-cigarette is larger and heavier as seen in many regulated mods by creating more downward force preventing the cords from sliding off a user's shoulder 10.

In other embodiments, the cord 1 may be produced with a shorter length unable to fit over a user's head enabling a different anchor point to be used such as a keychain as seen in FIG. 4. A user may wear pants including belt loops 12. A traditional keychain 13 can be secured to a belt loop 12 with cords 14 attached to a keychain 13, which in turn connects to the sling. Alternatively, the cords 14 of the sling may be secured directly to the belt loop 12.

In other embodiments, the cord 1 may be a contiguous strap or elongated piece of webbing with a single aperture to secure an e-cigarette. A single strap lanyard embodiment is positioned on the user's torso over one shoulder with the aperture and e-cigarette held at the lowest portion of the lanyard. The shoulder lanyard strap is formed from a shock-absorbing band, comprising a flexible, deformable non-stretchable strap or with potential for limited stretching capabilities. A clamp or sleeve buckle may be introduced in some embodiments to adjust the length of the strap lanyard to better suit a user.

The above-described embodiments are possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many various and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A holder, in a lanyard fashion, for securing a smokeless cigarette or personal vaporizer device around a neck, shoulder or waist of a user, comprising: A holder cradle configured to receive a smokeless cigarette or personal vaporizer device, a holder cradle comprising a thin layer of nonconductive material with a plurality of apertures of a plurality of sizes with at least two apertures being positioned on opposing sides of a holder cradle; and A plurality of cords coupled to an aperture of a holder cradle and a second end coupled to a second aperture of a holder cradle; and Wherein upon insertion of the smokeless cigarette or personal vaporizer device into the central aperture of a holder cradle, a cord is secured to an anchor point. Wherein a plurality of apertures are positioned into the corners of a holder cradle, with an option of multiple or singular apertures. Wherein apertures are positioned on opposite sides of a holder cradle.
 2. A holder of claims 1, wherein a plurality of cords are coupled to the apertures of a holder cradle via a knot.
 3. A holder of claims 1, wherein a singular cord or strap with one aperture as a holder cradle comprising an optional sleeve buckle or clamp to adjust length of strap lanyard.
 4. A method of assembling a holder for a smokeless cigarette or personal vaporizer device, the method comprising the steps of: Providing a section of material; Forming four apertures in each corner of the material; Forming a central aperture in the center of the material; Coupling a first end of a plurality of cords to an aperture of the material; and Coupling a second end of a plurality of cords to a second aperture of the material.
 5. The method of claim 4, further including: Selecting the length of a plurality of cords configured to the size of a user. Selecting the size of the plurality of apertures to permit varying sizes of smokeless cigarette devices to be held. Coupling the first end of a plurality of cords to apertures and coupling the second end of a plurality of cords to apertures diagonally aligned. 